Irish Bacon, Cabbage & Potato Soup

Comforting, hearty, and full of traditional Irish flavors, this soup combines smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and creamy potatoes in a warm, nourishing bowl. Perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave rustic home cooking.

📝 Recipe Card

Servings & Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings

Dietary Notes
✔️ Comfort Food
✔️ Gluten-Free (with GF broth)
✔️ Hearty & Filling

Ingredients (Quick Checklist):

6 slices Irish bacon (or thick-cut bacon)
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
3 large potatoes, peeled & diced
3 cups green cabbage, chopped
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt & pepper, to taste

Tools Needed:

Large soup pot
Sharp knife & cutting board
Wooden spoon
Ladle

Instructions (Quick View):

Cook bacon until crisp, remove, and set aside.
Sauté onion & garlic in bacon drippings.
Add potatoes, cabbage, and carrots. Pour in broth. Season with thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Simmer 20–25 minutes until veggies are tender.
Stir bacon back in, remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with bread.

Notes:

Irish bacon is less fatty than American bacon but both work fine.
Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creaminess or Russets for a starchier texture.

✨ Introduction

This Irish Bacon, Cabbage & Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, inspired by the flavors of Ireland. With hearty vegetables, smoky bacon, and tender cabbage simmered in a savory broth, it’s rustic cooking at its best. Pair it with crusty bread or traditional Irish soda bread for a filling meal.

🥘 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large pot, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crisp (5–7 minutes). Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving drippings behind.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Add onion and garlic to the pot, sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Veggies & Broth
Stir in diced potatoes, cabbage, and carrots. Pour in chicken broth. Add bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes and cabbage are tender.

Step 5: Finish & Serve
Stir bacon back into the pot. Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and serve warm.

🧑‍🍳 Ingredient Details & Substitutions

Irish Bacon: Leaner and meatier; thick-cut regular bacon or pancetta works too.
Broth: Chicken broth is traditional, but vegetable broth makes it vegetarian (skip bacon).
Potatoes: Russets give a rustic texture; Yukon Golds stay creamy.
Herbs: Thyme adds earthiness; fresh parsley or dill can be sprinkled in before serving.

🍽 Variations & Serving Suggestions

Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup cream or whole milk at the end.
Hearty Boost: Add cooked barley or white beans for extra substance.
Extra Veggies: Toss in leeks, celery, or parsnips.

Serving Ideas:

With Irish soda bread or a slice of brown bread.
Topped with extra crispy bacon crumbles.
Paired with a pint of Guinness for a true Irish touch. 🍻

🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead

Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months (potatoes may soften slightly).

📊 Nutrition (per serving, est.)

Calories: ~280 kcal
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 24g
Fat: 15g

Allergens: Naturally gluten-free (with GF broth). Contains pork.

❓ FAQ

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes — use veggie broth and skip bacon, or use vegetarian “bacon” crumbles.

Q: What’s the best bread to serve with it?
A: Irish soda bread or brown bread pair beautifully with this hearty soup.

Q: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Cook bacon first, then add everything (except bacon) to the slow cooker. Cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours. Stir in bacon before serving.

🍴 Personal Note

This soup reminds me of cozy Irish pubs where every meal feels like a hug in a bowl. The mix of cabbage, potatoes, and bacon is simple but deeply satisfying — proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

💬 Call-to-Action

Rustic, hearty, and loaded with flavor — this Irish Bacon, Cabbage & Potato Soup is a bowl of pure comfort.

👉 Would you keep it brothy and light, or make it creamy with a splash of cream?

Author
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Rabia

Chef & Food Blogger at menuatthetable.com

Rabia has been a chef in Dubai for over eight years and loves exploring different types of food. Through the blog Menu at the Table, Rabia shares the best places to eat in Dubai for every cuisine. Whether you want street food or a fancy restaurant, Rabia helps you find the perfect spot to enjoy delicious meals.